Is a master's degree required in the field of international education?

Analysis of the international education field shows increasing professionalization of the field, and the rapidly growing requirement for entry-level professional positions to require master’s degrees.

A survey of primarily U.S based study abroad professionals (Forum on Education Abroad, 2008; Spencer, Kreutzer, & Shallenberger, 2008) revealed that 31% held bachelor’s degrees, 51% held master’s degrees, and 25% had Ph.D. or Ed.D. degrees. Bentsen, Benum, Morgan, Raess, and Mehringer (2010) conducted an analysis of job postings in the field of international education. They found that the majority of position announcements listed a master’s degree as preferred or required. They found that international experience such as study, work, or living abroad was also a common requirement of the posted positions.